Oklahoma state senator no longer employs cousin after questions arise [View all]

An Oklahoma state senator hired his cousin to serve as his executive assistant, but then she stepped down after The Oklahoman inquired about whether the two were related.

For months, freshman Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, employed his cousin, TaRena Reece, as his assistant, which may be prohibited by state law.

In a statement, Jett confirmed Reece is his cousin and praised her work ethic.

“I worked with TaRena Reece for five years before coming to the Oklahoma State Senate," Jett wrote. "She is the best employee I have ever worked with and was my first choice to be my Senate Executive Assistant. She is intelligent, industrious, conscientious and has a tremendous work ethic. She is a quick study and has always exceeded my expectations.

Read more: https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/politics/2021/03/23/oklahoma-senator-shane-tarena-reece-nepotism/4797283001/

Note to Sen. Jett: It's called nepotism.